Today we’d like to introduce you to Abigail Carvajal.
Hi Abigail, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
It all started before I was old enough to remember! Growing up, I was surrounded by cameras, whether it was disposables, digital point shoots, or cam-recorders. My parents wanted everything I did to be saved and documented. Every family trip we went on, I always had a camera on me and took pictures of anything and everything! Once, I was old enough to have a phone that became my camera. I remember my friends, and I would get all dressed up and go around our neighborhoods doing photo shoots. I did not realize it then, but photography was already a passion of mine. Fast forward to high school, I needed to take an art class, and luckily, my parents bought a new DSLR camera that Christmas. I figured, why not try a photography class? I have always had an appreciation for the arts, and I was interested in seeing where photography would take me. Easy enough to say I was obsessed with taking portraits. All throughout high school, I was taking creative portraits of friends, and it was clear that my passion for photography was only beginning. Once I got to college, I needed a job. The job I initially wanted, I was turned down from. I had to pivot my mindset and find another way to make money and fuel my entrepreneurial mind. Till that point, photography was only a hobby for me. I did not understand that you could make a living from taking photos. One day, the topic of wedding photography came around, and that opened an entire world for me. I cannot tell you how many wedding photographers I messaged on Instagram in hopes of hearing their story, how they got started, and just wanting to pick their brains. Thankfully, one photographer opened up to me; she saw my passion, saw my eagerness, and was kind enough to let me learn under her. I am forever grateful for Natalie Reed; I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for her kindness. Thankfully, today, we are good friends and love watching each other succeed. I now have my established brand; it is going five years strong. Every year I am making improvements and growth not only as a business but as a person. I am incredibly grateful to have this career and fall in love with it every day that passes. Being a photographer, especially a wedding photographer, has its challenges, but there is nothing else I’d rather do. It is remarkable that people want to see their sacred moments through my eyes and trust me to document a small piece of their life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My biggest enemy is myself. We live in a world of social media that is constantly a competition of who is happier, who is traveling more, who is living the most extravagant life. Starting out, posting my photos on Instagram was a challenge. It was a constant comparison game I would play with myself and whoever I thought was better than me. It took years for me to break out of that habit and understand that I am a good photographer. My came to moment was realizing that I am comparing myself to photographers that have been in the industry for much longer than me. Of course, a ten-year experienced photographer is going to look different than a five-year experienced one. Once I was able to wrap my head around that thought, I no longer viewed other photographers as competition but as inspiration.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
My brand, Abigail Alexis Photography, specializes in wedding and portrait photography. I love documenting human experiences, whether it is two people saying, ‘I Do,’ proposals, engagements, graduating school, families, or getting creative with editorial portraits for brands. I am most proud of the relationships I build with my clients. I love to create a friend-to-friend atmosphere; I want all my clients to feel like a priority. What sets me apart is that there is only one Abigail. I put my heart and soul into each project I do. I keep my professionalism, but I also love to have fun with my clients, keeping in touch with them and getting to know more about each other after our session has past. I am unapologetically myself, and anyone who knows me can vouch for that.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
What is great about social media now is that it can be used as a networking tool. The mentors I have, the people I network with have stemmed from using social media. I found people who live a life the way I’d like to live mine, and I reached out to them. I use their life as an inspiration for mine. I constantly tell myself, if they are able to reach their dreams and desires then so am I. Do not hold back on sending that email or DM because maybe they might answer and say yes to helping you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.abigailalexisphotographs.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abigailalexis.photographs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abigailalexisphotographs/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@abigailalexisphotographs
